UK finalist 2020 

Jacqueline O'Donovan

Managing Director, O'Donovan Waste Disposal Ltd

Jacqueline O'Donovan

Since her father’s sudden death when she was 17, Jacqueline worked with her siblings to continue his dream of building a leading waste company. Her passion, drive and determination led her to becoming MD at 19 and she has used her innate leadership skills and commercial acumen to grow O’Donovan Waste Disposal from a £175k business, into a successful company with 100 lorries and 185 staff.  

A trailblazing leader in a male dominated industry Jacqueline is a passionate advocate for road-safety, environment and best-practice standards, resulting in a cleaner, safer and more responsible sector.  Through collaboration with industry bodies, Mayor’s Offices and community-groups, Jacqueline has also helped establish and implement innovative methods of improving road-safety and cleaner air. 

A key visionary element of Jacqueline’s CSR-led training strategy is the compulsory initiative for her HGV drivers to go cycling in London with an instructor to experience the challenges cyclists face. O'Donovan’s policies prioritise staff mental health as well as physical wellbeing, improving the industry and championing initiatives for others to follow.